The University of Michigan’s football program, a storied powerhouse in college football, continues to command attention on and off the field. With a legacy that includes national championships and a slew of successful players, the Wolverines have long been synonymous with excellence in the Big Ten and the broader landscape of college athletics. After clinching the national championship following the 2023 season, the Wolverines found themselves facing an unexpected storm involving a former member of their coaching staff.
Matt Weiss, who served as the co-offensive coordinator, has been indicted by federal authorities in a serious legal matter that has cast a shadow over the program. The charges stem from allegations that Weiss hacked into the personal accounts of numerous college athletes, purportedly to obtain intimate photos and videos. This accusation is particularly alarming given the trust that athletes place in their programs and the stringent guidelines surrounding personal data.
According to the indictment, Weiss allegedly infiltrated a database containing sensitive information of over 100 student-athletes managed by a third party. With access to personal information and medical records, he is accused of breaching social media accounts, emails, and cloud storage. Prosecutors detailed that the content Weiss accessed was “never intended to be shared beyond intimate partners,” highlighting the troubling nature of these allegations.
This unsettling chapter follows Weiss’s firing in January 2022, which occurred after reports emerged of an ongoing investigation into computer crimes within the Wolverines’ football offices. The charges he faces are serious: 24 counts in total — 14 for unauthorized access to computers and 10 for aggravated identity theft. With the computer-related charges carrying a potential sentence of up to five years each and the identity theft charges adding two years each, Weiss’s fate hangs in the balance as the legal process unfolds.
Following his dismissal, Weiss expressed respect for the University of Michigan and its community, stating, “I have nothing but respect for the University of Michigan and the people who make it such a great place. I look forward to putting this matter behind me and returning my focus to the game that I love.”
Weiss’s coaching journey included stints with NFL organizations and college programs under both Jim and John Harbaugh, among others. As Michigan navigates this turbulent situation, the focus will need to remain on the upcoming season and the performance on the field. After missing out on the inaugural 12-team playoff, the Wolverines managed to keep their winning streak against rival Ohio State intact. Now, as Year 2 of the Sherrone Moore era begins, Michigan fans are left to ponder the implications of Weiss’s legal battles while hoping for continued success in the competitive landscape of college football. The stakes are high, and the future holds many questions for this legendary program.
